Email
Chairman’s Update: The 2026 NJ Budget, GOP Attacks Medicaid, SNAP, and More
| From | Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr. <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Chairman’s Update: The 2026 NJ Budget, GOP Attacks Medicaid, SNAP, and More |
| Date | February 28, 2025 8:34 PM |
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͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏The New Jersey Democratic Party is made up of political leaders that drive progressive change across the Garden State. If you’d like to unsubscribe, click here. [[link removed]]
[link removed] [[link removed]]
Democrat,
This week was Governor Murphy’s final Budget Address [[link removed]] of his administration. This budget includes more property tax relief than any administration in history, where approximately $4.3 billion will go back into the pockets of New Jersey taxpayers. It provides over $750 million through the Child Tax Credit. There is truly something for everyone whether it’s voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, reforms to technical parole violations, and replacing outdated trains and buses through NJTransit. However, this budget is unique in that we are dealing with some of the most extreme Executive Orders and Republican budget cuts in history through President Musk Trump. Let’s break it down and see how New Jersey is affected:
The Good:
* Introducing a new sales tax exemption for cribs and baby supplies
* Property tax relief up to 50% for seniors through StayNJ [[link removed]]
* Launch a new OBGYN incentive program to fight a looming shortage of reproductive healthcare workers
* Raise tax rates to online gambling and internet sports betting, but maintain lower than Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware
* Single largest investment into public schools in NJ history
* Funding for free, full day, Pre-K state wide
* Double funding for Office of New Americans [[link removed]]
The Bad:
* Potential cuts in federal funding could impact (amongst hundreds of others): * Breakfast and lunch programs in schools
* Maternal and newborn health services
* Special Supplemental Nutrition Program [[link removed]] for Women, Infants, and Children
* Mental health services
* Road and highway maintenance and safety
* One of the most impacted programs: Medicaid
The bottom line is, while Governor Murphy and Democrats in the Legislature want to fight for New Jersey working families, those who have worked for their pension and protecting reproductive rights; Trump is going back on his “ Day 1 promise” of making life more affordable for Americans. We’ll leave you with this quote from NJ State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio on the potential effects of the (now approved) Republican budget resolution: “we would either have to make up the difference somehow with state dollars or our residents would be essentially denied the services.”
# [#]
# [#]
Claim:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently made a series of outrageous claims, including that the U.S. has “the sickest population in the world,” that Americans “buy 70% of the pharmaceutical drugs on Earth,” and that replacing seed oils in Big Macs with beef tallow would make them “good for people.”
The Truth:
Kennedy’s claim about the U.S. having “the sickest population in the world” is an exaggeration. Americans live longer and are generally healthier than much of the global population. The claim about Americans buying 70% of the world’s pharmaceutical drugs is also grossly inaccurate. In reality, U.S. consumers used only about 6% of the world’s prescription drugs in 2023, according to data from the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science. Finally, Kennedy’s assertion that replacing seed oils with beef tallow in Big Macs would make them “good for people,” the available evidence suggests the opposite. The health risks associated with beef tallow, which is high in saturated fats, far outweigh any potential benefits.
Impact on New Jersey:
Kennedy’s false claims are not just misleading—they could misguide public health policy, including here in New Jersey. If people start taking health advice from these distortions, it could undermine efforts to improve health outcomes. For more on these lies click HERE [[link removed]] and discover the truth.
# [#]
House Republicans just made their priorities clear: tax breaks for billionaires, cuts for working families. This week, New Jersey Republican Congressmen, Jeff Van Drew, Chris Smith, and Tom Kean Jr. voted to gut critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP, putting over 700,000 New Jerseyans at risk of losing their health coverage. Nursing home care, routine medical services, and essential food assistance— all on the chopping block so the wealthiest Americans can get even richer.
Rep. Van Drew tried to pretend he had concerns, but when the time came, he fell in line with Republicans. Rep. Smith claimed there were no Medicaid cuts, despite the resolution directing $880 billion in slashed spending that will inevitably gut the program. Representative Kean didn’t even bother pretending to care. Their votes weren’t just numbers on a page— they are a direct attack on New Jersey families, seniors, and the most vulnerable in our communities.
Republicans are trying to sell this as “fiscal responsibility,” but let’s be clear: this is ECONOMIC CRUELITY. They are squeezing working people to fund giveaways for the ultra-rich, and this is just the beginning. With Trump and his MAGA allies leading the charge, their ultimate goal is dismantling the safety net entirely.
We will not let them. New Jersey won’t be sacrificed for their extremist agenda. The fight is now.
# [#]
As we wrap up the final week of February, we are honored to spotlight Mayor Quinton Law and Kemani Scott for their unwavering dedication, leadership, and tireless advocacy. Their efforts have sparked lasting change and progress for future generations.
Quinton Law made history once again as he was sworn in as the FIRST Black Mayor of Moorestown Township! At just 27 years old, Quinton made history as the first African American and youngest person to serve on the council. From Deputy Mayor to leading the way, Mayor Law is proving that change and progress are possible at any age!
Meet Kemani Scott! A passionate young leader shaping policy as Director of Policy & Legislation in the New Jersey Senate. He's also Treasurer of the Monmouth County Young Democrats, Chair of Allentown Democrats, and has worked with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. A proud Rutgers grad, Kemani is dedicated to public service and empowering the next generation of leaders.
# [#]
# [#]
As we wrap up Youth Leadership Month, we’re closing out with two inspiring young leaders who are making waves in their communities. Saanvi Kulkarni and Margaret Wang exemplify the passion and dedication that define the next generation of changemakers.
# [#]
Saanvi Kulkarni, from Livingston, is a force in youth political engagement. As the Communications Director for NJ High School Democrats and the Director of Outreach for our NJ Democrats South Asian American Caucus, she’s dedicated to amplifying young voices. One of her proudest achievements was organizing a voter registration drive at Livingston High School for the 2024 election, ensuring her peers are ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
# [#]
Margaret Wang, from Montgomery, is driving change at both the state and national levels. She’s active in the New Jersey High School Democrats, the National AAPI Caucus of the High School Democrats of America, and the New Jersey Young Democrats High School Caucus. Her leadership shined when she co-hosted a national webinar with NJDSC featuring Congressman Huffman to emphasize the urgency of climate action in the 2024 election. Margaret is turning advocacy into real impact.
# [#]
As February comes to a close, our commitment to uplifting young leaders and honoring Black history doesn’t stop here. This month has been a powerful reminder of the impact that young people and Black leaders have had and continue to have on shaping our communities and driving change. The work doesn’t end with a calendar date. Whether it’s advocating for voting rights, organizing in our communities, or stepping up to lead, now is the time to turn inspiration into action. Let’s keep building, keep fighting, and keep making a difference, 365 days a year.
For those interested in joining our Black Caucus please click HERE [[link removed]] .
For our young readers we highly recommend our Emerging Leaders Caucus that is open to all those who are interested regardless of age, please click HERE [[link removed]] to join.
— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.
P.S. Please join us next week for a social meet up with our South Asian American Caucus. Connect with community leaders and fellow members over drinks and conversation. The event will take place on Sunday March 9th from 3:00-5:00pm. RSVP HERE [[link removed]] .
[link removed] [[link removed]]
[[link removed]]
Help Build a Stronger, Fairer New Jersey.
Get involved with the New Jersey Dems by canvassing, sending out texts, making calls & more!
[[link removed]] DONATE » [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] LEARN MORE » [[link removed] ]
Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, njdems.org.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Contributions or gifts to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee are not tax deductible.
New Jersey Democratic State Committee
142 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
United States
If you need to unsubscribe, click here [[link removed]]
[link removed] [[link removed]]
Democrat,
This week was Governor Murphy’s final Budget Address [[link removed]] of his administration. This budget includes more property tax relief than any administration in history, where approximately $4.3 billion will go back into the pockets of New Jersey taxpayers. It provides over $750 million through the Child Tax Credit. There is truly something for everyone whether it’s voting rights, LGBTQ+ rights, reforms to technical parole violations, and replacing outdated trains and buses through NJTransit. However, this budget is unique in that we are dealing with some of the most extreme Executive Orders and Republican budget cuts in history through President Musk Trump. Let’s break it down and see how New Jersey is affected:
The Good:
* Introducing a new sales tax exemption for cribs and baby supplies
* Property tax relief up to 50% for seniors through StayNJ [[link removed]]
* Launch a new OBGYN incentive program to fight a looming shortage of reproductive healthcare workers
* Raise tax rates to online gambling and internet sports betting, but maintain lower than Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware
* Single largest investment into public schools in NJ history
* Funding for free, full day, Pre-K state wide
* Double funding for Office of New Americans [[link removed]]
The Bad:
* Potential cuts in federal funding could impact (amongst hundreds of others): * Breakfast and lunch programs in schools
* Maternal and newborn health services
* Special Supplemental Nutrition Program [[link removed]] for Women, Infants, and Children
* Mental health services
* Road and highway maintenance and safety
* One of the most impacted programs: Medicaid
The bottom line is, while Governor Murphy and Democrats in the Legislature want to fight for New Jersey working families, those who have worked for their pension and protecting reproductive rights; Trump is going back on his “ Day 1 promise” of making life more affordable for Americans. We’ll leave you with this quote from NJ State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio on the potential effects of the (now approved) Republican budget resolution: “we would either have to make up the difference somehow with state dollars or our residents would be essentially denied the services.”
# [#]
# [#]
Claim:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently made a series of outrageous claims, including that the U.S. has “the sickest population in the world,” that Americans “buy 70% of the pharmaceutical drugs on Earth,” and that replacing seed oils in Big Macs with beef tallow would make them “good for people.”
The Truth:
Kennedy’s claim about the U.S. having “the sickest population in the world” is an exaggeration. Americans live longer and are generally healthier than much of the global population. The claim about Americans buying 70% of the world’s pharmaceutical drugs is also grossly inaccurate. In reality, U.S. consumers used only about 6% of the world’s prescription drugs in 2023, according to data from the IQVIA Institute for Human Data Science. Finally, Kennedy’s assertion that replacing seed oils with beef tallow in Big Macs would make them “good for people,” the available evidence suggests the opposite. The health risks associated with beef tallow, which is high in saturated fats, far outweigh any potential benefits.
Impact on New Jersey:
Kennedy’s false claims are not just misleading—they could misguide public health policy, including here in New Jersey. If people start taking health advice from these distortions, it could undermine efforts to improve health outcomes. For more on these lies click HERE [[link removed]] and discover the truth.
# [#]
House Republicans just made their priorities clear: tax breaks for billionaires, cuts for working families. This week, New Jersey Republican Congressmen, Jeff Van Drew, Chris Smith, and Tom Kean Jr. voted to gut critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP, putting over 700,000 New Jerseyans at risk of losing their health coverage. Nursing home care, routine medical services, and essential food assistance— all on the chopping block so the wealthiest Americans can get even richer.
Rep. Van Drew tried to pretend he had concerns, but when the time came, he fell in line with Republicans. Rep. Smith claimed there were no Medicaid cuts, despite the resolution directing $880 billion in slashed spending that will inevitably gut the program. Representative Kean didn’t even bother pretending to care. Their votes weren’t just numbers on a page— they are a direct attack on New Jersey families, seniors, and the most vulnerable in our communities.
Republicans are trying to sell this as “fiscal responsibility,” but let’s be clear: this is ECONOMIC CRUELITY. They are squeezing working people to fund giveaways for the ultra-rich, and this is just the beginning. With Trump and his MAGA allies leading the charge, their ultimate goal is dismantling the safety net entirely.
We will not let them. New Jersey won’t be sacrificed for their extremist agenda. The fight is now.
# [#]
As we wrap up the final week of February, we are honored to spotlight Mayor Quinton Law and Kemani Scott for their unwavering dedication, leadership, and tireless advocacy. Their efforts have sparked lasting change and progress for future generations.
Quinton Law made history once again as he was sworn in as the FIRST Black Mayor of Moorestown Township! At just 27 years old, Quinton made history as the first African American and youngest person to serve on the council. From Deputy Mayor to leading the way, Mayor Law is proving that change and progress are possible at any age!
Meet Kemani Scott! A passionate young leader shaping policy as Director of Policy & Legislation in the New Jersey Senate. He's also Treasurer of the Monmouth County Young Democrats, Chair of Allentown Democrats, and has worked with Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. A proud Rutgers grad, Kemani is dedicated to public service and empowering the next generation of leaders.
# [#]
# [#]
As we wrap up Youth Leadership Month, we’re closing out with two inspiring young leaders who are making waves in their communities. Saanvi Kulkarni and Margaret Wang exemplify the passion and dedication that define the next generation of changemakers.
# [#]
Saanvi Kulkarni, from Livingston, is a force in youth political engagement. As the Communications Director for NJ High School Democrats and the Director of Outreach for our NJ Democrats South Asian American Caucus, she’s dedicated to amplifying young voices. One of her proudest achievements was organizing a voter registration drive at Livingston High School for the 2024 election, ensuring her peers are ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
# [#]
Margaret Wang, from Montgomery, is driving change at both the state and national levels. She’s active in the New Jersey High School Democrats, the National AAPI Caucus of the High School Democrats of America, and the New Jersey Young Democrats High School Caucus. Her leadership shined when she co-hosted a national webinar with NJDSC featuring Congressman Huffman to emphasize the urgency of climate action in the 2024 election. Margaret is turning advocacy into real impact.
# [#]
As February comes to a close, our commitment to uplifting young leaders and honoring Black history doesn’t stop here. This month has been a powerful reminder of the impact that young people and Black leaders have had and continue to have on shaping our communities and driving change. The work doesn’t end with a calendar date. Whether it’s advocating for voting rights, organizing in our communities, or stepping up to lead, now is the time to turn inspiration into action. Let’s keep building, keep fighting, and keep making a difference, 365 days a year.
For those interested in joining our Black Caucus please click HERE [[link removed]] .
For our young readers we highly recommend our Emerging Leaders Caucus that is open to all those who are interested regardless of age, please click HERE [[link removed]] to join.
— Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.
P.S. Please join us next week for a social meet up with our South Asian American Caucus. Connect with community leaders and fellow members over drinks and conversation. The event will take place on Sunday March 9th from 3:00-5:00pm. RSVP HERE [[link removed]] .
[link removed] [[link removed]]
[[link removed]]
Help Build a Stronger, Fairer New Jersey.
Get involved with the New Jersey Dems by canvassing, sending out texts, making calls & more!
[[link removed]] DONATE » [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] LEARN MORE » [[link removed] ]
Paid for by the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, njdems.org.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Contributions or gifts to the New Jersey Democratic State Committee are not tax deductible.
New Jersey Democratic State Committee
142 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608
United States
If you need to unsubscribe, click here [[link removed]]
Message Analysis
- Sender: New Jersey Democratic State Committee
- Political Party: Democratic
- Country: United States
- State/Locality: New Jersey
- Office: n/a